Flames goalie Mike Smith practices for first time in a month

SportsPulse: The NHL trade deadline finished with a flurry of deals, but none bigger than Ryan McDonagh heading to Tampa Bay. See who were the big winners of deadline day.
USA TODAY Sports

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2018, file photo, Calgary Flames goaltender Mike Smith (41) returns to the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C. Smith is encouraged but says it's premature to determine when he’ll be cleared to play after practicing Tuesday, March 6, 2018, with the team for the first time in nearly a month since sustaining a lower body injury. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)(Photo: The Associated Press)

BUFFALO – With the Flames slipping out of playoff contention, goalie Mike Smith would prefer nothing more than to be back in net for Calgary’s next game, at Buffalo.

Knowing that’s not in the cards, Smith settled on accepting the next step in recovering from a lower body injury by practicing with the Flames for the first time in nearly a month on Tuesday.

“It’s the worst feeling as a guy who wants to be in there every game and wants to help the team win,” Smith said after taking part in an optional practice a day before Calgary plays the Sabres.

“A piece of you feels like you’re letting the team down by sitting there and watching,” he added. “That’s the sucky part of the position and the sport. But that’s part of the deal. So you’ve got to deal with it.”

Though still experiencing some soreness, Smith was encouraged following the half-hour session while saying it’s premature to determine how much more time he’ll miss.

“I’d like to tell you that, but your guess is as good as mine. I think it’s just day by day,” he said. “I’m trying to improve every day, strengthen, get comfortable, and when I’m ready I’ll know.”

Smith has been out since being hurt in the final seconds of a 3-2 win at the New York Islanders on Feb. 11.

After spending much of the past week skating on his own, Smith at least felt healthy enough to travel from Calgary to rejoin the Flames, who are in the midst of a three-game road swing that closes at Ottawa on Thursday.

The Flames could use any type of boost after having gone 0-3-1 in their past four following a 4-3 overtime loss at Pittsburgh on Monday. And they’re 3-6-2 while allowing 40 goals in 11 games since Smith was hurt.

NEWSLETTERS

Get the Sports newsletter delivered to your inbox

We're sorry, but something went wrong

Sports news, no matter the season. Stop by for the scores, stay for the stories.

In that time, Calgary has gone from sitting third in the Pacific Division to 11th in the tightly contested Western Conference playoff picture. With 15 games left, the Flames entered Tuesday with 74 points, three behind the eighth-place Los Angeles Kings.

“There’s still time left and games left,” Smith said. “I think we’re a good team. It’s time now to put all the chips in, and we need every guy working on all cylinders here.”

With a 23-16-6 record, Smith has provided the Flames much-needed stability in net after being acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes in June. His 2.53 goals-against average ranks 12th and .921 save percentage is ninth among goalies with 30 or more games played.

Without the 12-year veteran, the Flames are leaning on a rookie tandem of Jon Gillies and David Rittich, who have combined to appear in 25 career NHL games.

Gillies is 2-2-1 in six games, including a 35-save outing in a 5-2 win at Arizona on Feb. 22. Rittich is 1-4-1 and allowed seven goals on 26 shots in a 7-3 loss at Vegas on Feb. 21.

Coach Glen Gulutzan defended his goalies by saying the team has to play better as a whole. And yet, he acknowledged how much of a difference Smith can make both in stopping shots and being one of the league’s best puck-handling goalies.

“There’s no scapegoat on goaltending here,” Gulutzan said. “We’re still fighting. And if we get him back, I think it’s great. It helps you win when you get an elite guy back.”

April 2: Linesman Trent Knorr tries to break up a skirmish between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators in the third period at Canadian Tire Centre. The Jets won the game, 6-5. Marc DesRosiers, USA TODAY Sports

April 1: The Washington Capitals' T.J. Oshie and Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin fight during the third period against at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Capitals won the game, 3-1. Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

March 2: Columbus Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (left) and Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler are seperated after a line brawl during the second period at Honda Center. Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 3: Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) fall to the ice following a fight during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 3: Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) is hit by New York Rangers center Peter Holland (12) and defenseman Anthony DeAngelo (77) after the whistle during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

Feb. 3: Nashville Predators defenseman Alexei Emelin (25) is hit by New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller (10) after the whistle during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 20: Philadelphia Flyers left wing Tyrell Goulbourne and New Jersey Devils right wing Stefan Noesen push and shove in front of the net during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports

Jan. 9: Devante Smith-Pelly (25) of the Washington Capitals and Ben Hutton (27) of the Vancouver Canucks skate to the penalty box after fighting in the third period at Capital One Arena. Rob Carr, Getty Images

Oct. 19: Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) fight during the second period at United Center. The Oilers won the game in overtime. Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports